The MPs for Rochdale and Bury North have welcomed Andy Burnham's first speech as Prime Minister, backing his plans to tackle rough sleeping, ease cost of living pressures and set out a long term programme for government.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first speech outside 10 Downing Street to announce an urgent national drive to end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity.
The government said the programme will be backed by an additional £340 million from day one, taking overall funding for the issue to its highest level. The investment is expected to provide 1,200 homes and intensive support for at least 3,000 people as the first stage of a wider five-year programme.
The Prime Minister said local councils, mayors, the NHS and other public services would work together to deliver the scheme before the winter. He also said the government would focus on easing cost of living pressures, rebuilding public services and creating what he described as a more preventative state.
Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, welcomed the speech.
He said, “Andy Burnham’s speech summed up perfectly why he’ll make a great Prime Minister for Rochdale and for the country.
“He spoke from the heart, and showed he’s a man with a plan to make Britain stronger, fairer and better off.
“He’s right to say it takes time to fix our broken public services and broken economy. But he’s also right that we need to bring back hope and pull together to harness all the great talents we have in every community across the land.”
James Frith, Labour MP for Bury North, also praised the new Prime Minister's first address.
He said, "Andy Burnham's first speech as Prime Minister set out a clear sense of purpose and the kind of leadership our country needs at this moment.
"His focus on easing the pressures of the cost of living, giving people more breathing space, and setting out a long term plan to rebuild Britain shows a government determined to build on the progress already made and go further. Importantly, he has been clear that ambition must be matched by responsibility and a clear plan on how it will be paid for.
"His commitment to ending rough sleeping speaks to the values that have defined his public service in Greater Manchester. I've seen first hand the determination he brings to tackling some of our toughest challenges, and I know that same determination will now be brought to leading our country.
"As someone who has worked closely with Andy over many years, I look forward to working with him to deliver the change that people in Bury North and across Britain voted for."
In his address, the Prime Minister said ending long-term rough sleeping was a political choice rather than an impossible task. He said the government would begin acquiring suitable homes, identify those most in need and provide housing and support without delay as part of its first steps in office.
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